|
Much BIGGER turn markers.
Its time to really get APBA to buy some much bigger markers. Its way to hard to see them at full speed. I know Tredwell likes looking at his compass as he turns threw a turn at 80MPH but I have issues with it. How much could they be? For the safety of the racers and spectators its time. Why not if you disagree? Any other coments.
MD:rolleyes: |
MD,
Just my .02 cents. I like the size of the buoy markers right now, I think it adds to the skill of offshore racing. Right now, you can't always see the markers at the other end of the course, and believe me, I have missed them. So I like think the additional skill required to also navigate the course and find the buoys is a plus. (WHM seems to find them... Sorry Billy);) Last year I switched to a high resolution "orange" shield on my helmet and it made a HUGH difference. I could see the markers at times, 30-45 seconds faster than George. The orange tint really made the markers stand out like a glowing beacon. Anyway, sorry MD but I think they are fine, heck, lets make smaller and REALLY challenge everybody. |
Looks like they need bigger anchors priority 1. After all, that turn buoy decided to leave the Savannah race prematurely. And then the mess started.
|
I agree 100 percent. BIGGER BOUYS
|
Ben its not bad if its calm water but when its kicking its hard.
MD |
Plus the fact is when the water is as rough as it was in GA you need to be looking outside the boat instead of at the GPS
|
I do agree that we do need bigger anchors, first... This is true. I just feel open ocean racing brings many skills to the table; navigation, equipment durability, stamina, nerves, strength, etc.
I agree, making the buoys bigger would make them easier to see, I just think it adds to the skill required to race in the ocean. PS: Whatever the case, somehow I'm sure it's Randy's fault that the buoys are not bigger... :D :D :D |
It's funny you guys mention this. Before the races last year here in St. Pete, after the boats were done testing, I thought 'what the hell' and took a lap around the race course for fun to see what it's like. I gotta tell you, the first thing I thought was "How in the hell do these guys see these at the speeds their going?"
Do they get any bigger than that? Where would you find them? Not West Marine, I'm sure! |
I agree with Ben, the size of the turn bouys is fine and it adds to the skill needed to race. Remember when courses had 13 mile legs?
|
If nothing else SAFETY! Its just plain dangerous not being able to see the next mark when turning at high speeds. What harm would it be? Not many navigators in boats on a 5 mile course. And why is it skill to be able to see your turn? We have plenty of obstacles and challenges on the course.
MD |
Randy,
I agree. These tired old eyes had a hard time picking up the bouys until the second lap and then it wasn't that easy. I'm pretty sure I've seen bigger bouys in the past. It was great to get back on the race course. Thought it was a little rough especially when my head hit the steering wheel on the first turn of the first lap. We felt real good finishing a race and not being towed in. It was a real confidence boost. Now if we can squeze a few more mph out of our boat......! Two things I didn't like about the race were the long wait to start and the 20 mile run out to the ocean. The drive down and back was horrendous. Good picture in the Savannah paper on Sunday. Ray |
Did you guys see the canopy on the Dolphin boat sink? There goes the finish line!
Mike & Jill - Aqua Baja pace/start boat Friday at Savannah
& Turn 1 med boat. I agree. They need better markers. Im not quite sure what a good solution would be. Even when we went to our post we had trouble seeing them. When you have a rooster tail in your face, Im sure its tough. Did anyone see the canopy on the dolphin boat crash? The start finish boat lost its TOP!!!! We were sitting there with our medic and diver and all of a sudden, all of the boats stopped! How Crazy! Just glad noone was hurt! Does anyone know how I can get in touch with the white and red Donzi. I have some Killer shots of that boat sinking in daytona... I will be buying a better camera for the future... hopefully I can get you guys all free shots of you boats... I love doing this stuff. We will be at Key West and Grand Bahamma.. We will load plenty of drinks and sunscreen if you guys need them again... glad to help! Im glad you all made it safe! I was praying before every race hoping you were all safe. Nice talking... jill & mike [email protected] or [email protected] |
Well, that's an endorsement for bigger markers. If the turn 1 med boat can't see the markers ....
|
Mike and I have only worked Daytona and Savannah, and we plan to do Two more this year. I keep writing down things I would change... and that would be one of them.
I sat on the front of the Baja (my fave seat in rough water), and searched for about 5 minutes looking for all of the markers... DId you hear what we did to the guy in the... Kayak? (not sure spelling, small boat). He kept getting in the race course and the coast guard couldnt get him out the way. He was holding everything up so Jim told us to go after him.... We hit full throttle towardst he beach with a poor medic and diver hodling on for dear life. I think we stopped about 5 ft from his boat and scared the hell out of him. He still didnt get the hint (after having me cuss him out) and had to be arrested...... its all good! We left there and everyone wanted to know where we got our boat... How do you get started racing???? Mike and I got a business card in Daytona... a guy said he would build us a boat.... any advice? I would KILL to be throttles...Mike and I love the sport and drool over your guys' boats. Which one do you drive? People think we are absolutely nuts! Our boat is never in the water... we are always catching air...... too much fun! Jill |
Jill: You are in the right place. I wouldn't buy a new race boat from a guy who handed me a business card. Many of the boats you have seen in Daytona and Savannah are for sale. Buy today, race tomorrow. For instance, Typhoon's white F1 boat is for sale. You have seen it in Daytona. You have seen the new black one in Savannah, that's why the white one is for sale. Send Typhoon a message if interested.
http://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/p...ge&userid=1035 |
Boat
I think i know which one you are talking about. Those guys are from NY right? They had an incident at Daytona and we pulled their boat back for them.
Do you know his asking price? I loved that boat... it was sweet. Both of the guys were sweet too.. I remembered to give them sunscreen this time while waiting in the milling area. They are one of my faves just because I know they are good guys.. WHo drives the yellow boat and screamin nuts? I was talking to him but we went green and I had to let them go. He had his head shaved if that helps.... I really wanted to finish our conversation.... Jill |
Jersey boys?
I think i know which one you are talking about. Those guys are from NY right? They had an incident at Daytona and we pulled their boat back for them.
Do you know his asking price? I loved that boat... it was sweet. Both of the guys were sweet too.. I remembered to give them sunscreen this time while waiting in the milling area. They are one of my faves just because I know they are good guys.. WHo drives the yellow boat and screamin nuts? I was talking to him but we went green and I had to let them go. He had his head shaved if that helps.... I really wanted to finish our conversation.... Jill |
Jill call me about the Typhoon boat for sale for F1 or P4 class
908-346-2448 Randy |
Jill and Mike
Don't waste your time shopping, buy Randy's Typhoon boat. Its a proven winner at a great price |
Mike and Jill..
Im not sure, but I think It was you guys who towed us back to the docks in Daytona after we blew the motor. i remember the baja. Pretty good pull at 9 mph against the wind. If so, thanks again..Sorry we missed ya that night for dinner and drinks. It was a long tow and certainly very much appreciated. |
Deal...
I will make a deal with you.....
My business is being turned into a mail order catalog.... If it has a suceessful month this month, and your boat is still for sale... I will buy it as a gift for mike. Its his dream.... I have to go for now... I have to go get some blood tests done. I found a lump on my spine and was in pain the whole trip. I have to get tests done. Wish me luck! Jill PS> I KNOW!!!! We got back to the room and crashed. We wanted to meet up in Savannah but same story. We will be in Key West and the Bahammas... Meet us there and we will treat both of you. I got home that night in Daytona and I was like "COOL! Were going to dinner " and then..> SNORE.... :) APBA kills us! If you want us to go faster next time yell... but be careful... Mike scared the hell out of the medic and diver Saturday. He took off on those choppy seas and for a few miles, the only thing in the water was the prop (if we were lucky!) I never seen two people turn so white. |
Randy,
I agree with you. They should be BIGGER! It is hard to see out of my boat as it is. Ben, Didn't we get lost in Sarasota a few years back?? LOL. Mike & Jill, The red and white Donzi you are talking about belongs to Bobby Fisher, he is "Just Browseing" on this board. BG XO |
nascar drivers have a considerable amount of skill. one thing they don't have to look for is the turn. Can you imagine if they did. We are bouncing around in our boat's they aren't. In savannah my helmet felt two sizes too big as did Randy's. My fear is someone getting hurt. I love competition but at what cost. In approximately 85 races I had two boat's turn right in front of me I'll never forget it. how I missed them I can't tell you . I'ts time for larger pillows I know I'ts offshore racing and It will never be completely safe but this is a step in the right direction .I saw someone say navigate I've navigated my 32 foot go fast from NJ to longisland at nite in the fog . in a 27 foot boat going 80+ over waves youre luckey to see any gauges.let alone GPS LORAN COMPAS ECT
|
Jill,
The Screamin Nuts driver is, Bob Mazikowski (sp?). He owns TurnKey Marine in Beauford, GA which is at Lake Lanier outside of Atlanta. I only have his cell phone and I'd better not give it out, but I'm sure he is in the book. Super guy too... Karen (BG), Yes we were "lost as last years easter egg", and I think it was Sarasota. Huhhhh, I think you were "driving" and I was on the throttles... :p cya, ben |
I always scared to death when you guys race. I pray before and after (for the race and the trip home) that you all make it safe...
They need to find ways to make it safer. I know most people hate the idea that it would take from the sport, but they need special gear. I always worry... If I am at an event and you guys need something to drink or sunscreen...ect Give me a yell. I worry about you guys every time we go out. If we have it in the boat.... just ask! Next time I MUST remember WATER!!!!! Hell... We ride on the baja... I always get whiplash. And thats a 25 footer!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I can only imagine what its like to ride on one of those. If anyone wants to take me and Mike for a ride next time... give us a yell. :) I thought about asking Dirty Duck, SUperman or WHM... but I was too Chicken. Went to the Doctor today... Will let you guys know what happens... Jill |
Jill,
Give us a shout at the next race, we would be glad to give you a ride in a One Design Boat or maybe even the new 39 MTI Supercat Light. [email protected] I also have Fishers contact info, he was our 2002 One Design National Champion. |
Good luck Jill, We'll pray for you
|
Cool
That woudl be awesome.
I asked Dave Scott what it was like... he said it was a rush. He just kept saying over and over.. "words can't describe it". He was really nice to us. Sat there for a good 15 minutes showing us his car and boats. BUt then again... almost every racer has done that to us. We can't say how thankful we are that you guys let us help and answer our questions. YOure the BEST! I will be buying a new camera. I am Awesome at photography. I will get you some GREAT in action 8x10's for your kindness. Im looking at a nice Telephoto lense... The last camera I bought I spend 2000.00 for it and dropped it in the ocean. "If they have safety straps... USE THEM!" Its somewhere off the coast of N Carolina. Somewhere near Avon. Before I lost the camera I used it in the plane. I have a great shot of cape hatteras right above the restricted area.... its sweet. I should start selling my pictures.. but Im too good of a person.. i usually just give them away... We will be working the races in Sept. and Nov. I can't wait to see everyone again. All of the racers were SOOO sweet. I never expected it. I asked Dave Scott in daytona if I could climb on his boat for a pic and got an aweome image... I will have a site up by the end of next week with photos... I have daytona and savannah... I tried uploading here but it wouldnt let me. heheheheheh Hugs Jill & Mike |
Only one way to say it, safety....
This really has nothing to do with skill.... If you look at them up close they look really old and faded.... No matter what anyone says it is very hard to see them, and at Savanna, I saw several boats vear off at the last min to catch one. This is a problem. If you look at some of the divisionals, they are larger and brighter...Makes for a much safer run Dave P4-14 Cast Off Racing (formally team offshoregasm) |
Markers
They put the turn boats there/ party boats to help... but even then its tough.
Mike and I love getting close... but lately weve been afraid. I had a few boats buzz us. (not upset about it... actually enjoyed seeing them close.) Jill |
OK there may be a slight safety issue. F1 boats have a clear advantage in sight over the canopy boats that are not only restricted in visability, especially the older boats running the double canopies, but are running faster. Don't tell me you can't look down and see your compass, you need to use it. Most of the drivers don't have a clue where they are going, want proof. Last year in Pt Pleasant one boat get's lost and everyone follows. People need to run their own race and not play follow the leader.
Having the driver navigate adds skill to the position. How many drivers even know the compass headings from bouy to bouy? |
AMEN!
I watched that too... One guy made a wrong turn and 2others did the same.
I was like NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! hehehe Ur right! Jill |
Let me give you another example. Your told at the meeting at a turn there will be a 40' boat with a orange flag. Well folks that little 3x4 flag is worthless and as far as seeing the boat its hard at best. From a distance you cant tell it from a spectators boat. Its harder than it looks.
MD |
It's a 40' boat... but.. out there when youre going that fast its impossible.
I wondered why they didnt use the shrimp boats. You can seet those for a mile. Perhaps they should make the turn boats Sail boats... Large ones and hang HUGE flags on them. The Mast is about 40' in the air... so im sure they could see that. I dont know how the supercats do it. I was wathcing the races on TV and I wondered how they oculd see anything. I love the APBA but its impossible to plan anything. THings change SOOOO quickly. At first I thought they were unorganized.. but after this time I realized all of the stress and comotion that goes on during these things. THings change at a moments notice... you cant plan ANYTHING! When I get with the team(other volunteers) we try to plan out what to do, and what we can do to help. We usually hang our flag on the back of the boat (a baja 25 doesnt come with a flag mast... so we use our light pole). I always try to give advice that way they know where to go or what to do. Next time I think we are going to use some other signal on our boat. I watched the race on TV and event hough we are 25ft.. we are a DOT!I dont know how you saw our medic flag. I will email poppie. Perhaps I could make new flags... I sew, and do a great job with costumes and gowns... perhaps I could make some 8' long florescent orange flags (or Pink) with the turn numbers on them. THen I could make smaller ones for patrol in Yellow, and orange one for medic. We had trouble on Friday.... Our friend wore RED shorts... Bless his heart. When the boats ran down the river they kept yelling..."That guy is waving a Red Flag!!!! " and it screwed up their times.... I asked him after if he was shaking his butt. He was a cool guy. He was a preacher. Without knowing us he offered to let us stay at his home and use his dock. I dont know many peopel that would trust soemone like that. Spiderman scared him to death. He didnt see the preachers boat and almost took him out. We pulled up to bobby and he was white as a ghost and dripping wet. He kept saying he saw ANGELS! Let me think for a while... If you come up with an idea... let me know. Ive got the talent and would do them for free just to make it easier. Sorry guys... I dont know how to make boueys. Hugs Jill |
BIGGER markers please - and can we make them WHITE? Why are they orange? And HUGE anchors. Then let's use the left over small ones for markine the slot and the spectator fleet.
Steve Delaney Fury Offshore SV #88 |
Flags? Do I hear a Project?
Tell ya what... you sketch what you like and send it and I will make one. I will take a photo and send it to Jim to ask for permission to make more. I will create them for free.( the chance to work this close must be rewarded back to all)
What if it was white with an orange border... with the number in teh center? I think they are pink because White blends in and is hard to see. I will make flags for up to 10 markers (not that they get that high) I will have to sit down and plot out exactly how many... there are medics, patrol and flagboats... so about ... hmmm 20-30flags. If you guys like them... bribe a few of the supercats to give us a ride :) That will be payment enough! (not that helping is not enough, I enjoy helping.) :) (jill raises her bacadi...) CHeers! -Jill |
Originally posted by TYPHOON Let me give you another example. Your told at the meeting at a turn there will be a 40' boat with a orange flag. Well folks that little 3x4 flag is worthless and as far as seeing the boat its hard at best. From a distance you cant tell it from a spectators boat. Its harder than it looks. MD No one said it was easy but why should it be easy? Navigation skills are needed to race offshore. Although people want to compare offshore to nascar, it's not nascar. Sure we would like to see the success of nascar I don't think we want to see the roundy round of boring nascar. Randy, I know it's hard. I've done it from within a canopy. You talk about not being able to see the marker and people getting cut off. Well the rules say in the run you must maintain your lane in the turn. As a driver in a canopy boat you can't see who's to the left of you, so it's even harder then being in an open boat. Drivers need to take responsibility for their actions on the course and they are the only people that can make racing safe. Even with huge markers drivers will always cut each other off in the turn in the quest for their "perfect" line. |
Originally posted by SteveD BIGGER markers please - and can we make them WHITE? Why are they orange? And HUGE anchors. |
For crying out loud CANDY do you want some body to hold you hand on the course or what??????? The courses use to have 40 mile laps and had the same size buoys, it's really not that hard to pay attention to where you are going, you should have some idea where you are on the race couse. You obviously know that you are so much better than everyone else so you should be out front enough to have the best sight of the buoys espesically since Hollwood got his eyes fixed right? Stop making exscuses and poles when you get beat, I didn't hear you complain after you won Marathon. I agree that it is hilarious when one guy goes of course and the whole fleet follows him. It's happened in our start 2 races in a row. I don't know who's more goofy the guy that leads everyone off course or the people that follow and don't know where they are going. The race courses are usually on the web before the race, print it out figure out where you are going. I have said it before COMMON SENSE will get you ALONG way in boatracing. But I guess if we had that we wouldn't spend all of our money racing would we?
|
True...
I think if you watch for a marker it will make you slow down. I think those are just there.. just in case. So you can navigate from them on your gps. Either way.. if they are needed, I would be glad to help. Hugs Jill |
| All times are GMT -5. The time now is 10:43 AM. |
Copyright © 2026 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.